Shaped fit sizing system

ABSTRACT

A revolutionary, new sizing and fitting system for jeans is based on the concept of shape, not size. This sizing and fitting system is organized around some basic body shapes categories: e.g., slight curve (straighter figure, flatter fanny), demi curve (evenly proportioned hip and seat) and bold curve (smaller waist, larger seat). To use the system, the consumer finds their shape using a shape measuring tool. The shape measuring tool calculates a shape category based on a differential of two measurements in the seat area. With this shape category information, the consumer can easily locate a pair of form-fitting jeans. The sizing and fitting system is also applicable to pants, shorts, skirts, and other clothing where form fit is desirable in the seat and hip area.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. provisionalapplication 61/391,579, filed Oct. 8, 2010, which is incorporated byreference along with all other references cited in this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to clothing sizing systems and, morespecifically, to pants, especially jeans, having shaped fit sizing.

In 1853, during the California Gold Rush, Levi Strauss, a 24-year-oldGerman immigrant, left New York for San Francisco with a small supply ofdry goods with the intention of opening a branch of his brother's NewYork dry goods business. Shortly after arriving in San Francisco, Mr.Strauss realized that the miners and prospectors (called the “fortyniners”) needed pants strong enough to last through the hard workconditions they endured. So, Mr. Strauss developed the now familiarjeans which he sold to the miners. The company he founded, Levi Strauss& Co., still sells jeans and is the most widely known jeans brand in theworld. Levi's is a trademark of Levi Strauss & Co.

Though jeans at the time of the Gold Rush were used as work clothes(which were relatively loose fitting since fashion was not a concern),jeans have evolved to be fashionably worn everyday by men and women,showing up on billboards, television commercials, and fashion runways.Fashion is one of the largest consumer industries in the U.S. and aroundthe world. Jeans and related apparel are a significant segment of theindustry.

As fashion, people want their jeans to have a customized fit (e.g.,“tight fitting jeans”). Good fitting jeans today have a form fit that isvery different than, for example, the pants of the 1800s and early1900s. Before, loose-fit or overly baggy pants and balloon dresses werethe norm, since they were intended to hide or obscure the body shape.Today, modern technology has allowed the manufacture of off-the-rackpants, jeans, and shorts having much better form fit, while at the sametime being comfortable to wear.

Despite the widespread success jeans have enjoyed, there is a continuingdesire to address the demands of the consumer even better. Consumersdesire off-the-rack, form-fitting jeans for their own seat and hipshapes, without having to pay for custom tailoring. Existing jeanssizing systems, which may have addressed the market demand of the timethey were developed, do not adequately address the demand of the modernconsumer and their wide variety of body shapes.

Therefore, there is a need for a new fitting system for jeans andsimilar clothing (e.g., pants, shorts, and skirts) so that a consumercan more easily find the form-fitting jeans for their shape. This newsystem gives the consumer the custom-tailored fit they desire in anoff-the-rack jean.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A new sizing and fitting system for jeans is based on the concept ofshape, not size. This sizing and fitting system is organized around somebasic body shape categories: e.g., slight curve (straighter figure,flatter fanny), demi curve (evenly proportioned hip and seat) and boldcurve (smaller waist, larger seat). To use the system, the consumerfinds their shape using a shape measuring tool. The shape measuring toolcalculates a shape category based on a differential of two measurementsin the seat area. With this shape category information, the consumer caneasily locate a pair of form-fitting jeans. No need to try on multiplepairs of jeans in a dressing room. The fitting system is also applicableto pants, shorts, skirts, and other clothing where form fit is desirablein the seat and hip area.

A specific implementation of the sizing and fitting system of theinvention is Levi's Curve ID® system. Curve ID is a registered trademarkof Levi Strauss & Co. Curve ID allows women to find the perfect fitbased on body type. Curve ID specifically addresses women's body shapeswith its slight, demi, and bold curve categories. This new fittingsystem formula for finding the perfect fit looks beyond waist size toaddress the true curves of a woman's body. For example, although twowomen may have the same waist measurement, differences in overallproportions may mean that each woman has a different three-dimensionalshape or curve.

Curve ID includes three custom fits based on the difference between themeasurement of a woman's hip and seat—the greater the difference, themore curvy the body. The slight curve fit is for relatively straightfigures. The fit defines a woman's waist, while accentuating her curves.The demi curve fit is for evenly proportioned women. This fit isdesigned to flatter a woman's waist while smoothing her shape. The boldcurve fit is for curvy women. The bold curve fit hugs the woman's waistwithout gaping or pulling. Optionally, Curve ID includes a fourth customfit, which is called the supreme curve.

These custom fits and new approaches to measuring a woman's body werecreated after listening to women from around the world and are based ona study of body scans of more than 60,000 women. From the studies, threedistinct body types were identified that account for 80 percent ofwomen's shapes. The customized fits and measurement techniques are basedon these body types. These new fits allow women of many different bodytypes to find their perfect fit and ultimately help them feel confidentand attractive in their jeans.

Although Curve ID specifically addresses off-the-rack customized fit forwomen, aspects of the system can be applied to other classes ofconsumers, including men, children, teens, boys, and girls.

Each category or classification is based on a distinct body shape thatis determined by a body measurement differential. As an example, for aperson to be fitted, circumference or girth measurements may be taken ata (1) high hip location and (2) low hip (seat) positions. A differencebetween these two measurements is the body measurement differential,which is an index used to determine which body shape fit category theperson is in.

In an implementation, a system includes: a first sizing classificationfor pants, corresponding to a first differential between first andsecond body measurements in a first range; a second sizingclassification for pants, corresponding to a second differential betweenfirst and second body measurements in a second range; and a third sizingclassification for pants, corresponding to a third differential betweenfirst and second body measurements in a third range, where the firstbody measurement includes a person's girth at a first distance below anatural waist of the person, and the second body measurement comprisesthe person's girth at a second distance below the natural waist of theperson.

In an implementation, a method of fitting jeans having shaped fit sizingincludes: providing a shape measuring tool; and providing at least afirst predetermined shaped fit sizing category for jeans, a secondpredetermined shaped fit sizing category for jeans, and a thirdpredetermined shaped fit sizing category for jeans. With the shapemeasuring tool, at least two girth measurements of a person's body aremade in at least two different positions below a waist of that person.Based on the at least two girth measurements, at least one the firstpredetermined sizing category, second predetermined sizing category, orthird predetermined sizing category is identified as corresponding tothe at least two girth measurements. Each of the first predeterminedshaped fit sizing category, second predetermined shaped fit sizingcategory, and third predetermined shaped fit sizing category existsbefore the at least two girth measurements are made.

In an implementation, a system for fitting jeans includes: a firstpredetermined shaped sizing category for jeans; a second predeterminedshaped sizing category for jeans; a third predetermined shaped sizingcategory for jeans; a measurement guide for the first, second, and thirdpredetermined shaped sizing category, where the measurement guideindicates a first girth measurement being taken at a first positionbelow a person's waist, and a second girth measurement being taken at asecond position below the person's waist; and a shape index chart forthe first, second, and third predetermined shaped sizing category forjeans, where the shape index chart indicates the first and second girthmeasurements corresponding to the first predetermined shaped sizingcategory, second predetermined shaped sizing category, or thirdpredetermined shaped sizing category, where each of the firstpredetermined shaped sizing category, second predetermined shaped sizingcategory, and third predetermined shaped sizing category exists beforethe first and second girth measurements are made.

In an implementation, a system includes: a first sizing classificationfor pants, corresponding to fit for a first differential value betweenfirst and second body measurements in a first range; a second sizingclassification for pants, corresponding to fit for a second differentialvalue between first and second body measurements in a second range; anda third sizing classification for pants, corresponding to fit for athird differential value between first and second body measurements in athird range.

A first pants of a given size in the first sizing classification has afirst girth measurement at a first position at a first distance below atop of the pants. A second pants of the given size in the second sizingclassification has a second girth measurement at the first position atthe first distance below the top of the pants. A third pants of thegiven size in the third sizing classification has a third girthmeasurement at the first position at the first distance below the top ofthe pants. For the system, the first, second, and third girthmeasurements of the pants is about the same.

The first pants of the given size in the first sizing classification hasa fourth girth measurement at a second position at a second distancebelow the top of the pants. The second distance is less than the firstdistance. The third pants of the given size in the third sizingclassification has a fifth girth measurement at the second position atthe second distance below the top of the pants. For the system, thefourth girth measurement is greater than the fifth girth measurement.

The system of the invention is for jeans for a single manufacturer orjeans of the same brand. The single manufacturer or brand will havejeans in different shaped sizing classifications (e.g., A, B, and C), sothe consumer will be able to find their fit from this manufacturer. Withthe sizing and fitting system of the invention, the consumer will beable to more easily find the perfect fitting pair of jeans, withoutneeding to try on multiple pairs of jeans.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon consideration of the following detailed descriptionand the accompanying drawings, in which like reference designationsrepresent like features throughout the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a system of shaped fit sizing for pants. These pantsinclude fashion jeans and shorts.

FIG. 2 shows a system for fitting a person to pants having shaped fitsizing.

FIG. 3 shows various points on a person, below a waist point, at whichgirth can be measured.

FIG. 4 shows some points at which differential girth body measurementscan be measured on a person. These differential girth body measurementscan be used as an indication of depth and shape of a person.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a distribution curve of low hip to high hipdifferentials for a population of people.

FIGS. 6-7 show a front and side profiles of a person having a body shapeprofile, who would fit into a first fit category A of pants (e.g.,slight curve).

FIGS. 8-9 show a front and side profiles of a person having a body shapeprofile, who would fit into a second fit category B of pants (e.g., demicurve).

FIGS. 10-11 show a front and side profile of a person having a bodyshape profile with an hourglass figure, who would fit into a third fitcategory C of pants (e.g., bold curve).

FIGS. 12-13 show a front and side profile of a person having a bodyshape profile with a full seat, who would also fit into the third fitcategory C of pants (e.g., bold curve).

FIG. 14 shows a shape measuring tool when used to measure a person, asviewed from the front of the person.

FIG. 15 shows a ruled measuring tape, which along with the shapemeasuring tool in FIGS. 14 and 16 forms a shape measuring tool kit.

FIG. 16 shows the shape measuring tool of FIG. 14 when used to measure aperson, as viewed from the side of the person.

FIG. 17 shows another shape measuring tool, which has hooks at twospecific locations where girth body measurements are to be taken.

FIG. 18 shows a shape measuring tape, which along with shape measuringtool in FIG. 17 forms a shape measuring tool kit. A back of the shapemeasuring tape has an eye, which will attach to the hooks of the shapemeasuring tool to make measurements.

FIG. 19 shows a indicator clip, which along with shape measuring tool inFIG. 17 and shape measuring tape of FIG. 18 form a shape measuring toolkit. The indicator clip will be clipped to the shape measuring tape andwill indicate a shaped fit category.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Many people have difficulty finding off-the-rack pants, jeans andshorts, that fit well and are flattering. A problem with previousoff-the-rack pants and jeans is that sizing is based on a waist number(e.g., 29 inches) and inseam number (e.g., 30 inches), or simply asingle jeans size number (e.g., size 7). Even if size numbers arecorrect, the pants do not necessarily fit because people have differentbody proportions, curves, and shapes. Most people recognize this. So, tofind the proper fitting jeans, people usually pull a number of pants offthe rack to try them. The previous sizing systems for pants and jeansinherently do not take into consideration shape.

A global survey reports that more than half of women (54 percent) try onat least 10 pairs of jeans to find one pair they would buy. Most women(87 percent) wish they could find jeans that fit better than the onesthey own. Most women (67 percent) believe that jeans are designed forwomen with “ideal” figures. Very few women (28 percent) believe thatjeans are designed to fit their bodies.

To address the shortcomings of the previous sizing methodologies, thispatent introduces a new shaped sizing system for pants. FIG. 1 shows ablock diagram of a new system of shaped fit sizing for pants. FIG. 2 isa block diagram of a system for fitting a person to pants having shapedfit sizing.

Although the system is discussed with respect to pants, jeans, andshorts, the system can also be applied to other types of shaped fitclothing, especially those worn, at least in part, at and below thewaist. These include dresses, skirts, slacks, formal wear (e.g., tuxedotrousers), school uniforms, military wear, athletic wear, sportswear(e.g., cycling wear, ski wear, golf wear, martial arts wear, track andfield wear, swim wear, gymnastics wear, softball uniforms, baseballuniforms, football uniforms, hockey uniforms, lacrosse uniforms, winterand summer Olympics team apparel, gym wear, and others), dance wear,lingerie, panties, boxers, briefs, corsets, costumes (e.g., Halloweencostumes or masquerade ball), and many others.

FIG. 1 shows a system of shaped fit sizing for pants. A shaped fitsizing system is targeted to specific consumers. For example, a specifictarget market for shaped fit is the U.S. women's market. Other marketsmay be in other geographic areas, such as Asia and Russia. The shapedfit sizing system can be tailored to specific markets and populations.This will ensure the shaped fit sizing system will have sizings toaccommodate the great majority of the consumers and body types in thosemarkets.

The system in FIG. 1 can achieve shaped fit sizing for pants for atargeted population. The system has components to generate metrics uponwhich to classify pants having shaped fit sizes. Components include:selecting a population sample and collecting body measurement data forthis sample 105. The collected body measurement data can include bodymeasurements 106 and digital body scans 107. This measurement data 110can be stored in, for example, a database 112, for subsequent analysisand correlation 115. This analysis determines a body measurementdifferential 117 upon which body shape can be based. In a specificimplementation, the selected differential is a low hip to high hipdifferential 120. The differential data is graphed 125 and partitioned130, which forms the pants sizing categories or classifications 130.Based on the determined sizing categories, fabric patterns 132 arecreated. The fabric patterns are used to manufacture pants with theshaped fit sizing 135.

In a specific implementation, there are three sizing categories 135,which are identified as shaped fit sizings A, B, and C. The sizings canbe referred to by other names. For example, for Curve ID, the names areslight, demi, and bold. Or the shaped fit sizings may be referred tousing different colors.

In another specific implementation, there is an additional shaped fitsizing D. For Curve D, this sizing name is supreme. Shaped fit sizing Dis optional and may not be available in every target market. Dependingon the demographics of a target population, this additional shapedsizing can ensure that greater numbers (e.g., a greater percentage) ofconsumers will fit the into the available shaped sizings. For example,in one marketplace, there may be people who do not fit size C, so theywill need to buy size D clothes. However, in a different marketplace,there may not be any (or many) people who will fit size D, so size Dclothes are not needed or sold there.

Target populations are typically divided geographically because clothingis usually sold on a geographical basis. So, there is a population ofpeople where it is desirable to obtain shaped fit sizing for pants.Additionally, as desired to target the market and consumer better forbetter fit, this population may be divided by age, sex, ethnicity, orother parameters, or combinations of these.

For example, the population can be divided into geographic areas such asUnited States, Asia, and Russia. The population can include onlyfemales, girls and women. In other implementations, the population caninclude only males, boys and men. Generally, men and women havedifferent shapes so they are considered in separate population studies.Alternatively, the population may include the entire world, and thepopulation divided up subsequently after some analysis by the system.Based on how the population is divided or organized, separate orindependent sizing systems can be developed for the respectivepopulation (e.g., girls and women, men and women, and women in the U.S.and women in China).

The actual population size of an entire market is enormously large. Forexample, for females in the United States, the population size isroughly 150 million; in Europe, roughly 450 million; and in China,roughly 500 million. It is impractical to make measurements of everyindividual in the population.

So instead, a sample (105) of the population is taken to reduce a numberof measurements needed. Accurate results are desirable so the populationsample should be sufficiently large to give good results which representthe entire population. In a specific implementation, for Curve ID, thepopulation sample included over 60,000 women around the world.

Making measurements on the sample population sample can include settingup digital scanning booths at various locations (e.g., shopping mall andairports) and scanning the bodies of the individuals and storing 110each scan 107 with measurements, along with other pertinent information,in a database 112 (such as stored on a computer hard disk). Data canalso be collected by recording manual measurements 106 and saving theseinto database 112. However, a digital scan of the body yields moreinformation because a three-dimensional surface of the body will berecorded, not just some measurements at various points of the body(e.g., girth of waist).

With a body scan, any specific desired measurements can be made for thatbody scan (as if the person were actually present to take measurements).For example, not only will the girth of waist be available, the girth ofwaist at an offset 4 inches below the waist can be measured. Without thebody scan, if the waist measurement were made manually, but the offsetmeasurement was not made manually, then the offset measurement would notbe available. The offset measurement might be estimated through acalculation, but this would generally not be as accurate as ameasurement from the body scan.

In a specific implementation, the body measurement data included over60,000 digital body scans of women. It should be appreciated that thenumber of body scans in a sample can vary. Generally, a larger samplesize leads to increased precision in estimates of various properties ofthe population. In this specific implementation, the population sampleincluded female subjects from the U.S., China, Japan, France, Germany,and Russia. The age of the subjects ranged from about 15-44 years old.In another specific implementation, the age of the subjects ranged fromabout 15-34 years old.

The body measurements are taken from randomly or quasi-randomly selectedpeople in the target population. The subjects are randomly selectedbased on the demographic area and age groups that are targeted. In aspecific implementation, the sample subjects included women from theU.S., China, Japan, France, Germany, and Russia in the 15-24 years oldage bracket and the 25-34 years old age bracket. In another specificimplementation, the sample further included women in the 35-44 years oldage bracket for each of the countries.

In a specific implementation, the collected measurements 110 includeage, height, weight, and body dimensions such as girth measurements atspecific points or locations on the body. Some or all the body scans maybe collected by a third party. In a specific implementation, body scancollection centers have three-dimensional (3D) scanning equipment.

A three-dimensional scanner is a device that analyzes a real-worldobject (e.g., person or human being) to collect data on its shape. Thecollected data can then be used to construct digital, three-dimensionalmodels. The three-dimensional scanner allows three-dimensional scans tobe made based on the collected body measurement data.

These raw data measurements were stored in a database. The database canbe read, accessed, analyzed, and processed by a computer system, whichis hardware and software for processing and storing data. Some examplesof computer system hardware include computer processors (e.g., multicoreprocessors), computer-readable medium, memory or nonvolatile memory onwhich the measurement data and software programs are stored. Thenonvolatile memory may include mass disk drives, floppy disks, magneticdisks, optical disks, magneto-optical disks, fixed disks, hard disks,CD-ROMs, recordable CDs, DVDs, recordable DVDs (e.g., DVD-R, DVD+R,DVD-RW, DVD+RW, HD-DVD, or Blu-ray Disc), flash and other nonvolatilesolid-state storage (e.g., USB flash drive), battery-backed-up volatilememory, tape storage, reader, and other similar media, and combinationsof these.

FIG. 3 shows various points on a person, below a waist point, at whichgirth can be measured. The points include a natural waist, hi-high hip,high hip, seat (or low hip), thigh, mid thigh, knee, calf, and ankle.Any or all these measurements may be included in the body scan data.

Natural waist refers to the location at which the body, and specificallythe torso, bends. So, when a person bends sideways, the point of thebend on the torso is the natural waist. This is a reference point fromwhich measurements are made. By using the same reference point ondifferent people, this allows a consistent measurements from person toperson, regardless of what each person considers their waist (which canvary from person to person).

FIG. 4 shows some points at which differential girth body measurementscan be measured on a person. These differential girth body measurementscan be used as an indication of width, depth, and shape of a person.These differentials include the natural waist to high hip, natural waistto seat (or low hip), hi-high hip to seat, and high hip to seat. Adifferential is a difference between two lower body parameters. Othermeasurements include total rise and saddle depth. Any or all thesedifferential measurements may be included in the body scan data, orcalculated from the body scan data.

The differentials in FIG. 4 are in reference to the natural waistdescribed above. The high hip is located about 4 inches (or about 10.2centimeters) below the natural waist. The seat or low hip is typicallylocated about 4 inches below the high hip or about 8 inches (or about20.3 centimeters) below the natural waist.

Returning to FIG. 1, the collected body measurement data is analyzed 115to determine which of the numerous measurements taken and availablecorrespond to body shape, and can be used as a basis for shaped fitsizing pants. FIG. 3 shows nine girth measurement points, and FIG. 4shows four differential body measurements. There are many combinationsof measurements to consider. These and other measurement points (notindicated) were considered.

The analysis, including statistical and mathematical calculations, foundthe low hip (or seat) to high hip differential correlates highly withbody shape. The other differentials listed in FIG. 4 also correlate tobody shape, but the low hip-high hip differential was selected. Inalternative implementations, the shaped fit sizing system can use any ofthe other differentials—natural waist to high hip, natural waist to lowhip, or hi-high hip to low hip.

To analyze the data and generate the charts, the components orsubcomponents of the analysis and correlation component can include andbe performed by a computer system. The computer system can include, forexample, a computer screen to electronically display the graphs andcharts. The computer system can include software programs stored incomputer memory for performing (via a computer processor) thestatistical analyses.

In a specific implementation, the result or output of analysis 115 isthe identification of low hip-high hip differential 120 as indicative ofbody shape or body geometry. The low hip-high hip differential is usedin Curve ID, where low hip is measured 8 inches from the natural waistand high hip is measured 4 inches from the natural waist. Thedifferential may also be referred to as a shape index. Other names canbe used.

For Curve ID, a difference between the high hip and low hip measurementis about 4 inches (i.e., 8 inches minus 4 inches). For shaped fit sizingsystem, the difference between the two body measurement points can vary.However, better accuracy and fit can be obtained when the body pointdifferences is greater than about 3 inches. The body point differencescan even be greater than the 4 inches used for Curve ID. Generally,smaller differences such as 0.5 inches or 1 inches of difference in thebody points may not give as accurate a measure of body shape.

The selected body measurement differential 117 for the target populationis analyzed 125. The analysis can include graphing the differentialamounts for the target population to see a distribution of body shape.

FIG. 5 shows a sample graph for body measurement differential (i.e., lowhip-high hip differential) distribution for women. The x-axis shows thedifferential amount. The y-axis represents the percentage of populationhaving a particular differential amount. The differential amounts rangesfrom 0 to 10 inches of differential.

FIG. 5 shows an example of the analysis to generate shaped fit pants.Further analysis can include raw body measurement charts, graded bodymeasurement charts, measurement distribution graphs, comparativedistribution graphs (e.g., comparing different age groups, differentcountries, different regions, different lifestyle groups, orcombinations of these). The analysis can include statistical analysesand calculations of the data.

This distribution curve graph may be displayed on a screen of a computersystem, printed on paper using a printer, or both. FIG. 5 shows aspecific example of a graphical representation and the data can berepresented using other types of graphs such as a histogram or piechart. A histogram is a representation of a frequency distribution usingrectangles whose widths represent class intervals and whose areas areproportional to the corresponding frequencies.

Additionally, the distribution curve as shown in FIG. 5 may becalculated using any demographic or combination of demographics of thehuman population. For example, depending upon the target market, adistribution curve may be calculated based on demographics such asgender (e.g., male and female), age bracket (e.g., 15-24 year olds and25-34 year olds), geographic region (e.g., U.S., China, Japan, France,Germany, or Russia), or combinations of these.

Graph data 125 is analyzed and partitioned 130 to generate a shaped fitsizing system for pants 135. Fabric patterns are created that correspondto the shaped fit categories 132. The pants are manufactured accordingto these fabric patterns.

An implementation has three shaped fit categories, each spanning 1.5inches of differential. A first differential range (shaped fit size A orslight) is from about 2 inches to about 3.5 inches (about 5.1centimeters to about 8.9 centimeters). A second differential range(shaped fit size B or demi) is from about 3.5 inches to about 5 inches(about 8.9 centimeters to about 12.7 centimeters). A third differentialrange (shaped fit size C or bold) is from about 5 inches to about 6.5inches (about 12.7 centimeters to about 16.5 centimeters).

Based on graph 125, this system of shaped fit categories with 1.5-inchranges covers about 80 percent of the target population. However, it maybe desirable to increase coverage. Therefore, an alternateimplementation includes a fourth shape fit category. This fourthdifferential range (shaped fit size D or supreme) is from about 6.5inches to about 8 inches (about 16.5 centimeters to about 20.3centimeters). With this additional shaped fit, the coverage of thesystem is over 80 percent of the target population.

The curve may be partitioned or segmented into any number ofdifferential ranges (e.g., more or fewer than three, two, five, six, orseven). Generally, the greater the number of partitions or ranges themore likely it is that a person will be able to find a pair of pantsthat fits the person's shape more closely.

For example, the three shaped fit sizes described spans from 2 inches toabout 6.5 inches, which is 4.5 inches of differential total. This rangecan be split into five shaped fit categories, each covering a 0.9 inchesrange (for symmetrically or identically sized ranges). However, thisleads to having two additional shaped sizing categories, which comparedto three sizing categories, complicates manufacturing and generallyincreases costs. Each additional sizing category can increase the costto make the pants because for each garment waist size there is anadditional shape fit size.

Thus, it will be desirable to identify and select groups of ranges thatare most common and represent the desired coverage of the target market.In a specific implementation, there are at most three sizingclassifications or three sets of differential ranges to achieve thedesired coverage. In another specific implementation, there are at mostfour sizing classifications to achieve the desired coverage.

Although symmetrically or identically sized differential ranges havebeen described, a shaped fit sizing system of the invention can includeasymmetrically or differently sized differential ranges. For example,the second differential range described above can be split into tworanges, such as one from 3.5 to 4.25 inches and another from 4.25 to 5inches, while the first and third differential ranges remain the samesize.

The 1.5-inch differential ranges are for denim which is used in jeans.The size of each differential range also depends on the stretch of thefabric or material used for the pants. Generally, the greater stretchthe material has, the larger the range can be since the material canstretch to accommodate larger shaped fit sizes. Material with lessstretch may need smaller differential ranges, and therefore a greaternumber of categories.

In a specific implementation, denim includes cotton and spandex (orLycra®). Spandex is a synthetic fiber that gives greater elasticity tothe cotton material, especially compared to 100 percent cotton denim. Aspecific brand of spandex is Lycra®. Lycra fiber is a trademark ofInvista.

A stretch denim typically has cotton and 2 percent spandex. Generally,the amount of spandex in denim varies from about 1 to 5 percent.However, depending on the amount of stretch desired, the amount ofspandex in denim can be up to about 10 to about 15 percent. In certaincircumstances (e.g., specialized wear), the denim can have even greaterthan 15 percent spandex.

Also, the particular weave used to weave the cotton and spandex togetherto make the denim will affect the stretch. With the weave and spandex,the denim material can have different stretch levels. In a specificimplementation, the denim material is designed to stretch from about 15to 35 percent. In this specific implementation, the determineddifferential ranges (e.g., 1.5-inch differential) and shaped fit sizingcategories handle denim with a stretch from about 15 to 35 percent.However, depending on the weave and amount of spandex, the stretch canrange extend from about 12 to 45 percent.

To facilitate the manufacture of pants with shaped fit sizing 135,fabric patterns 132 are created based on the determined shaped fitcategories 130. The fabric patterns are patterns used for cutting of thematerial for the pants. Typically, there are about 10 to 15 patterns(which means there are 10 to 15 pieces of material) used for each shapedfit jean. After the pieces are cut based on the pattern, the pieces aresewn together. Additionally, rivets may be used to hold some pieces(e.g., pocket openings) together, which increases durability andstrength. See U.S. Pat. No. 139,121, issued on May 20, 1873 to LeviStrauss & Co.

In a specific implementation, fabric patterns are generated by anengineer (who may be referred to as a “pattern engineer”) with acomputer aided design (CAD) tool. The engineer uses the tool to createindividual pattern components (e.g., 10-15 individual pattern pieces).These pattern components are two-dimensional patterns. For example,Assyst GmbH, Autometrix, OptiTex, Bluewater Software, Gerber Scientific,Inc., and Quest CAD/CAM are manufacturers of apparel CAD software tools.With an apparel CAD tool, 2D fabric patterns are developed. The tool mayalso include a 3D visualization component the may used to show thedesign from a three-dimensional perspective.

To ensure the fit is good, pants can be manufactured according to thecomputer generated patterns. Then an actual person can try pants. Basedon the results, the engineer can make further modifications to thecomputer patterns. This process can repeated as needed to ensure goodfit and a proper look.

Separate patterns are created for each pair of jeans of a particularsize and shape category. For example, there is a first pattern (with10-15 individual pieces) for a size 27 jean in the slight curvecategory. There is a second pattern (with 10-15 individual pieces) for asize 27 jean in the demi curve category. There is a third pattern (with10-15 individual pieces) for a size 27 jean in the bold curve category.Sizings may be from waist size 24 to 34, with different inseam sizes.Then there would be 33 patterns for 11 waist sizes in three shaped fitcategories.

Jeans with the same waist size are made with different inseammeasurements to accommodate people with longer or shorter legs. Jeansalso are made with different boot cuts such as skinny, straight, skinnyboot, boot cut, flare, and others. These are for styling and also toaccommodate or accentuate the boots or other footwear the person iswearing. These may use different patterns. Since the inseam sizes andboot cuts do not necessarily affect the fit in the seat area (which issometimes called the top block), some of the pattern pieces or potionsor pattern pieces may be similar or the same as jeans with differentinseam or boot cuts. The top block is a cut of the jean from thewaistband through the hips and butt. Therefore, the top block can remainthe same or about the same for some jeans, while the inseam and leg cutswill differ.

The patterns for the pieces are designed to facilitate shaped fitsizing. So for a single size (e.g., size 27) of jeans in the threedifferent shaped fits, the patterns will differ to achieve the desiredshaped fit. One pattern piece for jeans is the waistband. In a specificimplementation, a difference between waistbands for one shaped fit (e.g.slight) and a curvier shaped fit (e.g., bold) is that thetwo-dimensional (2D) waistband pattern is more arced or curved.

For example, for the slight curve (e.g., size 27), a waistband top isabout 31 inches while a waistband bottom is about 31.25 inches, which isabout a 0.75-inch difference. In comparison, for the bold curve (e.g.,size 27), a waistband top is about 28 inches while a waistband bottom isabout 29.5 inches, which is about a 1.5 inch difference. The greaterthis difference, the greater arc or curve in waistband pattern. This isa reason why the bold curve waistband pattern piece is more curved thanslight curve waistband pattern piece.

FIGS. 6-7 show a front and side profiles of a person having a body shapeprofile, who would fit into a first fit category A of pants (e.g.,slight curve). This body type is associated with the first differentialrange, i.e., has a low hip-high hip differential that ranges from about2 inches to about 3.5 inches (about 5.1 centimeters to about 8.9centimeters). A person with this shape may be described as relativelystraight with a flatter seat.

FIGS. 8-9 show a front and side profiles of a person having a body shapeprofile, who would fit into a second fit category B of pants (e.g., demicurve). This body type is associated with the second differential range,i.e., has a low hip-high hip differential that ranges from about 3.5inches to about 5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters to about 12.7centimeters). A person with this shape may be described as evenlyproportioned. For example, in comparing FIGS. 7 and 9, the seat of thesecond body type (FIG. 9) is more curvy than the seat of the first bodytype (FIG. 7).

FIGS. 10-11 show a front and side profile of a person having a bodyshape profile with an hourglass figure, who would fit into a third fitcategory C of pants (e.g., bold curve). FIGS. 12-13 show a front andside profile of a person having a body shape profile with a full seat,who would also fit into the third fit category C of pants (e.g., boldcurve). These two body types are wider in different directions. Thehourglass figure is wider laterally (side to side), while the full seatis wider front to back.

Both shapes will fit into shaped fit category C pants. These body typesare associated with the third differential range, i.e., has a lowhip-high hip differential that ranges from about 5 inches to about 6.5inches (about 12.7 centimeters to about 16.5 centimeters).

In another specific implementation, there is a fourth body type (notshown) that is associated with the fourth differential range, i.e., hasa low hip-high hip differential that ranges from about 6.5 inches toabout 8 inches (about 16.5 centimeters to about 20.3 centimeters). Thefourth shaped fit category may be referred to as a supreme curve. Thesupreme curve is curvier than the bold curve.

The body types shown and described above can represent a combination(e.g., composite or an average) of multiple body types which may eachhave slightly different measurements.

Pants 135 having shaped fit sizing A, B, and C (and optionally D) thatfit body types with body measurement differentials 117 as discussedabove are designed and manufactured. For example, each shaped fit sizingwill have a fabric pattern dimensions different from other jeans. A size28 jean with a 30 inseam will have slight, demi, and bold versions. Eachof the slight, demi, and bold versions will have different seat shaping,though the size may be the same.

For example, pants with the bold curve shape are curvier than the demicurve, which is curvier than the slight curve. This means that for agiven size for the jeans, the demi has more shape from the hip to theseat area than the slight, and the bold has even more shape than thedemi.

For determination of the shaped fit sizing categories, the natural waistwas used as a reference point on the body. The other measurements are inreference to the natural waist. The high hip is 4 inches below thenatural waist, and the low hip or seat is 8 inches below the naturalwaist. The pants or apparel themselves do not have a natural waistreference point from which to make measurement unless they are beingworn.

The top of the jeans is usually not worn at the natural waist, but somedistance below the natural waist depending on the rise cut (e.g., lowrise or mid rise). Typically low rise jeans are lower cut and the top ofthe jeans is a greater distance from the natural waist than mid risejeans. So, for example, for a pair of a particular rise cut, the top ofthe jeans may be about 3 inches from the natural waist when worn. Thenthe low hip (LH) or seat measurement will be about 5 inches from the topof the jeans, which corresponds to 8 inches from the natural waist whenthe jeans are worn. The high hip (HH) will be about 1 inch from the top,which corresponds to 4 inches from the natural waist when the jeans areworn.

Therefore, the apparel measurements made on the jeans will differ fromthe body measurements by a difference between position of the top of thejeans (when worn) and the natural waist position. This difference amountwill vary based on the rise cut. To find the high hip point on theapparel, this amount will be 4−X, where X is the distance between thetop of jeans to the natural waist when worn. To find the low hip pointon the apparel, this amount will be 8−X. According to the shaped fitsizing system of the invention, each size of the manufactured jeans hasat least three different shaped fits (e.g., A, B, and C, or slight,demi, and bold). Each size may be indicated by a waist size number(e.g., 24-34) or other size number (e.g., 2-18). For example, size 27 ismanufactured with three shaped fits—slight, demi, and bold.

In a specific implementation, for three different shaped fits of thesame size, measurements of the “girth of the apparel” at the seat willbe about the same. To make the “girth” measurement of the apparel, theapparel may be laid flat and a linear measurement at the seat can bemade across the apparel from one side to an opposite side. The linearmeasurement can then be, for example, doubled to find the measurementsof the apparel. For example, for size 27 jeans, the seat girthmeasurements for the slight, demi, and bold jean shapes will be about 36inches at about 5 inches (as measured from a top of the jeans with topdistance of 3 inches).

Although about the same, the seat measurements of the jeans can varyslightly depending on how the jeans will be worn and how the measurementis made. For example, the seat measurements for the different shapeswill be about the same, varying from about 35¼ inches to about 36¼inches, which is about a 1-inch range. In another implementation, thegirth measurement at the seat of the different shapes will be about thesame, varying in about a ¾-inch range.

By contrast, for jeans of the same size but different shaped fits, thegirth measurements above the seat will be different. Generally, abovethe seat, the girth becomes smaller for each successively curvier shapedfit. For example, the least curvy shaped fit (e.g., slight curve) willhave girth at a waist bottom which is greater than the next curviershaped fit (e.g., demi curve), which will have a girth at its waistbottom which is greater than the next curvier shaped fit (e.g., boldcurve).

The waist bottom is a girth measurement taken at about a bottom of ajeans waistband piece. The waist bottom girth measurement mayapproximately correspond to the high hip body measurement if it is about1 inch from the top of the jeans that has a top distance of 3 inches.For example, in a specific implementation, the girth of the waist bottomfor the slight curve is about 31¾ inches, demi curve is 31 inches, andbold curve is about 29½ inches. Note that the range difference for thisgirth measurement, above the waist, varies in a range of about 2 inches.

FIG. 2 shows a system for fitting a person to pants having shaped fitsizing. Jeans with shaped fit sizing are available to consumers orcustomers 205 through various channels. A channel for selling and makingjeans available are stores. For example, Levi's Curve ID products areavailable at Levi retail stores (e.g., Union Square, San Francisco) orother retailers such as Macy's, J.C. Penny, and Kohl's (which may bereferred to as wholesalers). A channel for selling and making jeansavailable on-line are Internet and Web sites.

A shape measuring tool 210 is used to fit the consumer. In a store, asalesperson can use the shape measurement tool to measure the consumer,and find which of the shaped fit sizing categories (e.g., A, B, or C)the consumer falls within. Two girth measurements 211 and 212 are made.A calculation 215 is made that indicates a shape index 217. With theshape index, the consumer will be able to determine their shaped fitpants classification or category 220. The consumer can choose the jeans135 with the appropriate shaped fit sizing.

Table A below provides a specific example of a flow for making differentmeasurements 210 and determining a shape index 215. It should beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the specific flows andsteps presented. A flow of the invention may have additional steps (notnecessarily described in this application), different steps whichreplace some of the steps presented, fewer steps or a subset of thesteps presented, or steps in a different order than presented, or anycombination of these. Further, the steps in other implementations of theinvention may not be exactly the same as the steps presented and may bemodified or altered as appropriate for a particular application or basedon the data or situation.

TABLE A Step 1 Make a first girth measurement 211 at a first position(e.g., high hip) of a person's body. Step 2 Make a second girthmeasurement 212 at a second position (e.g., seat or low hip) of person'sbody. Step 3 Subtract the first measurement from the second measurementto determine a shape index 217.

For steps 1 and 2, the shape measuring tool used can include a measuringtape or tape measure. This measuring tape can a relatively narrow stripof flexible material with ruled markings in units such as inches (U.S.customary units) or centimeters (metric or SI). The measuring tape isflexible to conform to the person being measured and can be wrappedaround a person's girth or circumference.

As discussed above, a reference point used for the measurements is thenatural waist is the point at which the person can bend his or her body.The high hip position is located about 4 inches (about 10.2 centimeters)down from the person's natural waist. The low hip or seat is locatedabout 4 inches down from the high hip, or about 8 inches down from theperson's natural waist.

The measurements relative to the natural waist can be determined also byusing a measuring tape (e.g., another measuring tape, separate from thegirth measuring tape), which can lay along the person's body shapevertically (which is generally perpendicular or transverse to the girthmeasurements and girth measuring tape). First and second girthmeasurements are made at the high hip and the low hip positions.

For step 3, shape index 217 is a differential which is a result ofsubtracting first girth measurement 211 from second girth measurements212. The value of the shape index (or differential) identifies theshaped fit category (A, B, or C) of pants for the user. The subtractionin step 3 can be done by the salesperson. Or the subtraction may beperformed using a computer processor, such as in an electroniccalculator or a computer (e.g., Web site performs calculation foron-line consumer). The shape index is relatively easy andstraightforward to calculate.

For example, if the determined shape index is in a range from about 2inches to about 3.5 inches (about 5.1 centimeters to about 8.9centimeters), the shaped fit sizing will be the first fit category A(e.g., slight curve). If the determined shape index is in a range fromabout 3.5 inches to about 5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters to about 12.7centimeters), the shaped fit sizing will be the second fit category B(e.g., demi curve). If the determined shape index is in a range fromabout 5 inches to about 6.5 inches (about 12.7 centimeters to about 16.5centimeters), the shaped fit sizing will be the third fit category C(e.g., bold curve).

As an example, a person measures to have a high hip girth of 28 inchesand a low hip girth of 34 inches. A difference between the high hip andlow hip is 34 inches minus 28 inches, which is 6 inches. Thiscorresponds to fit category C (e.g., bold curve).

These fit categories are for off-the-rack pants or jeans, which havebeen previously manufactured according to specifications for the shapedfit sizing categories. This is not custom tailoring because the person'smeasurements are made after the pants have already been made. Themeasurements are to perform a fitting of the person to the predeterminedshaped fit categories or classifications.

As previously described, optionally, there can be a shaped fit categoryD (e.g., supreme curve), which is fit for a shape index or differentialof about 6.5 inches and about 8 inches (about 16.5 centimeters to about20.3 centimeters). Also, note that the range for shaped fit category Astarts at 2. However, if the consumer were to measure under 2 inches(i.e., 0 to 3.5 inches), the consumer can be fitted to category A pants(e.g., slight curve).

In some cases, a person's shape index may be at the lower or upper limitof a range. For example, the person's shape index may be about 3.5inches. In this specific implementation, the person may be provided withpants having shaped fit sizing A, pants having shaped fit sizing B, orboth pairs of pants. As another example, the person's shape index may beabout 5 inches. In this specific implementation, the person may beprovided with pants having shaped fit sizing B, shaped fit sizing C, orboth pairs of pants.

In alternate system implementations, the shape index may be the resultof other mathematical computation, not merely a subtraction. Forexample, the calculation may include adding the two measurements. Thecalculation may include taking a ratio (division) of the twomeasurements. For example, a ratio of shape may be determined bydividing the second girth measurement by the first girth measurement.

The flow in table A can be described in a measurement guide (e.g.,training guide or video) that is distributed to the salespeople at theretail stores. The measurement guide can be a written description of howto how to measure and fit a person to the appropriate shaped fit pants.For example, the measurement guide indicates that a first girthmeasurement is to be taken at a first position below a person's waist,and a second girth measurement is to be taken at a second position belowthe person's waist. The measurement guide can be part of the shapemeasuring tool kit. The measurement guide may be posted or otherwisedisplayed in the retail store for the salespeople or consumers toreview. The measurement guide may be posted on a Web site for on-lineconsumers.

There can also be a shape index chart which lists the pants sizing forparticular differentials, also distributed to the sales people at theretail stores. The shape index chart can be a written descriptionlisting the first, second, and third predetermined shaped sizingcategory for jeans (e.g., A, B, and C). The shape index chart alsoindicates the first and second girth measurements corresponding to thefirst predetermined shaped sizing category, second predetermined shapedsizing category, or third predetermined shaped sizing category. Forexample a difference between the first and second girth measurements of2 to 3.5 will be shaped fit category A, 3.5 to 5 will be category B, and5 to 6.5 will be category C. The shape index chart may be posted orotherwise displayed in the retail store for the salespeople or consumersto review. The shape index chart guide may be posted on a Web site foron-line consumers.

A sample shape index chart is in table B below. Once the shape index isknow, the salesperson or consumer can look up the corresponding fitblock or shaped fit sizing category.

TABLE B Shaped Fit Sizing (Fit Block) Shape Index (Curve ID ®) A (SlightCurve) Up to 3½″ B (Demi Curve) 3½″ to 5″ C (Bold Curve) 5″ to 6½″ D(Supreme Curve) (optional) 6½″ to 8″

This chart has a first section or row corresponding to the firstpredetermined shaped sizing category; a second section, adjacent to thefirst section, corresponding to the second predetermined shaped sizingcategory; and a third section, adjacent to the second section,corresponding to the third predetermined shaped sizing category. Thesecond section is between the first and third section in the table; thecorresponding shape index is numerically between the others. This indexmay be presented on multiple pages, and the second section is betweenthe first and third section pages.

However, the chart presented in table B is relatively straightforwardand easy to understand. Note that the ranges of the shape index overlapat specific measurements. For example, sizings A and B overlap at 3½inches. However, as desired, the chart can also be written not toinclude such overlaps. For example, sizing A can be up to 3.49 inches, Bfrom 3.5 to 4.99 inches, C from 5 to 6.49 inches, and so forth.

FIGS. 14-16 show another implementation of a shape measuring tool. FIG.14 shows a shape measuring tool when used to measure a person, as viewedfrom the front of the person. FIG. 15 shows a ruled measuring tape,which along with the shape measuring tool in FIGS. 14 and 16 forms ashape measuring tool kit. FIG. 16 shows the shape measuring tool of FIG.14 when used to measure a person, as viewed from the side of the person.This shape measuring tool is further described in U.S. design patentapplication 29/376,345, filed Oct. 5, 2010, which is incorporated byreference.

This shape measuring tool includes a belt 1405, a first measuring tape1410, a second measuring tape 1415, and a third measuring tape 1510(FIG. 15). Ends of the first and second measuring tapes are attached tothe belt.

Table C below provides a flow for using this shape measuring tool.

TABLE C Step 1 Tie belt (e.g., string belt) around person's naturalwaist. Step 2 Position first and second measuring tapes attached to beltat the person's sides. Step 3 Wrap third measuring tape around person ata location about 4 inches below the natural waist as indicated by thefirst and second measuring tapes to measure person's high hip. Step 4Wrap third measuring tape around person at location about 8 inches belowthe natural waist as indicated by the first and second measuring tapesto measure person's low hip. Step 5 Subtract the high hip measurementfrom the low hip measure- ment to obtain the shape index.

In a step 1, the salesperson ties the belt around the person's naturalwaist. The natural waist may be found by instructing to the person tofold their arms in front of their chest, stand evenly on both feet, keeptheir legs together, and bend sideways—the body typically bends at thenatural waist.

In a step 2, the first and second measuring tapes attached to the beltare positioned at the person's sides. For example, FIG. 16 shows a viewof the left side of the person where the second measuring tape has beenpositioned on the person's left side. The first measuring tape will besimilarly positioned on the person's right side.

In a step 3, the person's high hip is measured using the third measuringtape. Typically, a person's high hip is located about 4 inches below theperson's natural waist. The first and second measuring tapes can helpthe salesperson locate the person's high hip. Specifically, thesalesperson can wrap the third measuring tape around the person at alocation where the third measuring tape is aligned with the 4-inch markson the first and second measuring tapes. Generally, the measurementshould be made when the third measuring tape is level with the ground orparallel to the belt. The first and second measuring tapes can help toensure that the third measuring tape is level. Specifically, when thethird measuring tape is aligned with the 4-inch marks on the first andsecond measuring tapes, the third measuring tape will be level.

In a step 4, the person's low hip is measured. The procedure to measurethe low hip is similar to the procedure for measuring the high hip asdescribed in step 3 above. However, this measurement is made at alocation about 8 inches below the person's natural waist because this isgenerally the location where the person's low hip is located. As in thehigh hip measurement, the first and second measurement tapes can helpthe salesperson locate the person's low hip and can help ensure that thethird measurement tape is level when the low hip measurement is made.

In a step 5, the shape index is determined by subtracting the high hipmeasurement from the low hip measurement. In a specific implementation,the subtraction is performed by a computer such as via a calculator.

As was discussed for table A above, the flow in table C can be reflectedin a measurement guide and shape index chart. The shape measuring toolkit can include the measurement guide and shape index chart.

FIGS. 17-19 show another implementation of shape measuring tool 1702.FIG. 17 shows another shape measuring tool, which has hooks at twospecific locations where girth body measurements are to be taken. FIG.18 shows a shape measuring tape, which along with shape measuring toolin FIG. 17 forms a shape measuring tool kit. A back of the shapemeasuring tape has an eye, which will attach to the hooks of the shapemeasuring tool to make measurements. FIG. 19 shows a indicator clip,which along with shape measuring tool in FIG. 17 and shape measuringtape of FIG. 18 form a shape measuring tool kit. The indicator clip willbe clipped to the shape measuring tape and will indicate a shaped fitcategory. This shape measuring tool is further described in U.S. designpatent applications 29/376,486, and 29/376,488, filed Oct. 7, 2010,which are incorporated by reference.

This tool includes a belt 1705, an anchor panel 1710 attached to thebelt and extending in a direction perpendicular or transverse relativeto the belt, and a measuring tape 1715 (or ruled markings) attached tothe anchor panel. The anchor panel further includes a top or upper hook1720 and a bottom or lower hook 1725. The top hook is attached to theanchor panel at a distance about 4 inches (about 10.2 centimeters) fromthe belt. The bottom hook is attached to the anchor panel at a distanceabout 8 inches (about 20.3 centimeters) from the belt. These hooks ofthis tool serve as a measurement guide, indicating a first girthmeasurement being taken at a first position below a person's waist, anda second girth measurement being taken at a second position below theperson's waist. The belt further includes a buckle so that the belt canbe removably attached to the person to be measured.

This shape measuring tool further includes a tape 1810 (FIG. 18) and aclip 1910 (FIG. 19). The clip may be referred to as a calibrationmarker. The tape includes a back hook on a back side of the tape (notshown) and a shape index tab 1815 that includes a mark 1820 and shapeindex descriptors 1825 a, 1825 b, and 1825 c.

In this specific implementation, there are three shape indexdescriptors, i.e., 1825 a, 1825 b, and 1825 c. In another specificimplementation, there are four index descriptors. Generally, the numberof index descriptors is equal to the number of shaped fit categoriesavailable. The shape index descriptors correspond to the predeterminedshaped fit sizing categories. The descriptors may be referred to assections. Specifically, section 1825 a corresponds to the firstpredetermined shaped sizing category. Section 1825 b is adjacent tosection 1825 a and corresponds to the second predetermined shaped sizingcategory. Section 1825 c is adjacent to section 1825 b and correspondsto the third predetermined shape sizing category. Section 1825 b ispositioned between section 1825 a and 1825 c.

In this specific implementation, section 1825 a, 1825 b, and 1825 cinclude printing indicative of the first, second, and thirdpredetermined shaped sizing category (e.g., “slight,” “demi,” and “bold”wording). There are no numerical values corresponding to an arithmeticoperation on the first and second girth measurements. In alternativeimplementations, the printing for each section can have different textor numbers.

Shape index descriptors 1825 a, 1825 b, and 1825 c are a shape indexchart for the first, second, and third predetermined shaped sizingcategory for jeans. This shape index chart indicates the first andsecond girth measurements corresponding to the first predeterminedshaped sizing category, second predetermined shaped sizing category, orthird predetermined shaped sizing category.

The back hook or eye allows the tape to be removably fastened to the topor bottom hook when using the tool to measure a person's shape. The backhook may be referred to as an eye, eyelet, grommet, fastener, orcorresponding fastener.

Table D below provides a flow for using this shape measuring tool.

TABLE D Step 1 Attach belt with anchor panel to the natural waist ofperson to be measured. Step 2 Attach back hook or eye on tape to lowerhook 1725 on anchor panel (which corresponds to person's low hip orseat) and wrap tape around person's seat. Step 3 Locate mark on shapeindex tab, align clip with mark, and attach clip to the tape. Step 4Attach back hook or eye on tape to upper hook 1720 on anchor panel(which corresponds to person's high hip) and wrap tape around person'shigh hip. Take care not to accidentally slide the clip attached to thetape. Step 5 Obtain shape index as indicated by the clip and shape indexdescriptors on the shape index tab of the tape.

In a step 1, the salesperson attaches the belt with the anchor panel tothe natural waist of a person to be measured. Once the belt is attachedvia the buckle, the belt is cinched or tightened so that it is snugaround the natural waist and horizontal to the ground. In this specificimplementation, the anchor panel should be positioned so that it islocated on the right side of the person's body. However, the tool may bedesigned to be positioned on other sides of the person's body (e.g.,left side of body).

In a step 2, the tape is held so that the shape index descriptors on theshape index tab are facing the salesperson. The salesperson finds theback hook or eye on the back side of the tape and hooks the back hook tothe bottom hook on the anchor panel. The location of lower hook 1725 onthe anchor panel is positioned so that it will correspond to the low hipwhen the belt is attached to the person's natural waist. While keepingthe tape level, the tape is wrapped around the person's low hip or seatcircumference.

In a step 3, the mark on the shape index tab is located. The salespersonaligns the clip with the mark and attaches the clip to the tape. In aspecific implementation, the mark is a red colored mark at an end of thetab.

In a step 4, the back hook or eye on the tape is hooked to the top hookon the anchor panel. The location of upper hook 1720 on the anchor panelis positioned so that it will correspond to the high hip when the beltis attached to the person's natural waist. While keeping the tape level,the tape is wrapped around the person's high hip circumference. Careshould be taken so that the clip is not accidentally slid or moved.

In a step 5, the shape index is obtained as indicated by the clip andshape index descriptors on the shape index tab of the tape.Specifically, where the clip lands on the tape's shape index tab is theperson's shape index. For example, if the clip is aligned with oroverlays shape index A on the tab the person's shape index is A. If theclip is aligned with shape index B on the tab the person's shape indexis B, and so forth.

Thus, with this embodiment of the shape measuring tool, the salespersondoes not have to subtract any measurements to obtain the person's shapeindex. Rather, the positioning and width of the shape index descriptorson the shape index tab are calibrated so that they can be used inconjunction with the technique described in table D above to obtain theperson's shape index without the salesperson having to perform anarithmetical calculation such as a subtraction calculation. For example,with this tool, the salesperson will not have to perform any math intheir head, write down the measurements on a piece of paper, or inputthe measurements into a calculator to obtain the person's shape index.

As was discussed for table A above, the flow in table D can be reflectedin a measurement guide and shape index chart. The shape measuring toolkit can include the measurement guide and shape index chart.

The shaped sizing fit system for pants, jeans and shorts, of thisinvention gives consumers a choice for off-the-rack clothing thatfocuses on shape, not size. This description of the invention has beenpresented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdescribed, and many modifications and variations are possible in lightof the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described inorder to best explain the principles of the invention and its practicalapplications. This description will enable others skilled in the art tobest utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and withvarious modifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope ofthe invention is defined by the following claims.

1. A system comprising: a first sizing classification for pants,corresponding to a first differential between first and second bodymeasurements in a first range; a second sizing classification for pants,corresponding to a second differential between first and second bodymeasurements in a second range; and a third sizing classification forpants, corresponding to a third differential between first and secondbody measurements in a third range, wherein the first body measurementcomprises a person's girth at a first distance below a natural waist ofthe person, the second body measurement comprises the person's girth ata second distance below the natural waist of the person, and the naturalwaist is a location on a person's torso where that person bendsnaturally.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first range is fromabout 0 inches to about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters).
 3. Thesystem of claim 2 wherein the second range is from about 3.5 inches(about 8.9 centimeters) to about 5 inches (about 12.7 centimeters). 4.The system of claim 3 wherein the third range is from about 5 inches(about 12.7 centimeters) to about 6.5 inches (about 16.5 centimeters).5. The system of claim 4 comprising: a fourth sizing classification forpants, corresponding to a fourth differential between first and secondbody measurements in a fourth range, wherein the fourth range is fromabout 6.5 inches (about 16.5 centimeters) to about 8 inches (about 20.3centimeters).
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first distance isabout 4 inches (about 10.2 centimeters).
 7. The system of claim 1comprising: a fourth sizing classification for pants, corresponding to afourth differential between first and second body measurements in afourth range.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein first pants of a firstsize in the first sizing classification has a first girth measurement ata position on the pants corresponding to the second body measurement,second pants of the first size in the second sizing classification has asecond girth measurement at a position on the pants corresponding to thesecond body measurement, third pants of the first size in the thirdsizing classification has a third girth measurement at a position on thepants corresponding to the second body measurement, and the first,second, and third girth measurements of the pants is about the same. 9.The system of claim 8 wherein first pants of the first size in the firstsizing classification has a fourth girth measurement at a position onthe pants corresponding to the first body measurement, third pants ofthe first size in the third sizing classification has a fifth girthmeasurement at a position on the pants corresponding to the first bodymeasurement, and the fourth girth measurement is greater than the fifthgirth measurement.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the natural waistis above a person's belly button.
 11. A system comprising: a firstsizing classification for pants, corresponding to a first differentialbetween first and second body measurements in a first range from about 0inches to about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters); a second sizingclassification for pants, corresponding to a second differential betweenfirst and second body measurements in a second range from about 3.5inches (about 8.9 centimeters) to about 5 inches (about 12.7centimeters); and a third sizing classification for pants, correspondingto a third differential between first and second body measurements in athird range from about 5 inches (about 12.7 centimeters) to about 6.5inches (about 16.5 centimeters), wherein the first body measurementcomprises a person's girth at a first distance about 4 inches (about10.2 centimeters) below a natural waist of the person, the second bodymeasurement comprises the person's girth at a second distance about 8inches (about 20.3 centimeters) below the natural waist of the person,and the natural waist is a location on a torso where the person bendsnaturally.
 12. A method of fitting jeans having shaped fit sizingcomprising: providing a shape measuring tool comprising a belt and afabric panel with upper and lower hooks coupled to the fabric, whereinthe upper hook is positioned closer to the belt than the lower hook;providing at least a first predetermined shaped fit sizing category forjeans, a second predetermined shaped fit sizing category for jeans, anda third predetermined shaped fit sizing category for jeans; with theshape measuring tool, making at a first girth measurement of a person'sbody at a first position below a waist of that person using the lowerhook; with the shape measuring tool, after making the first girthmeasurement, making at a second girth measurement of the person's bodyat a second position below a waist of that person using the upper hook;and based on the at least two girth measurements, identifying at leastone the first predetermined sizing category, second predetermined sizingcategory, or third predetermined sizing category as corresponding to theat least two girth measurements, wherein each of the first predeterminedshaped fit sizing category, second predetermined shaped fit sizingcategory, and third predetermined shaped fit sizing category existsbefore the at least two girth measurements are made.
 13. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the second girth measurement is made using the upperhook of the shape measuring tool at a distance of about 4 inches (about10.2 centimeters) from a natural waist of the person, and the naturalwaist is a location on a person's torso where that person bendsnaturally.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the first girthmeasurement is made using the shape measuring tool at a distance ofabout 8 inches (about 20.3 centimeters) from the natural waist of theperson, and the natural waist is a location on a person's torso wherethat person bends naturally.
 15. The method of claim 12 comprising: whena difference between the first and second girth measurements is lessthan about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters), indicating on a shapeindex tab of a tape of the shape measuring tool the first predeterminedsizing category, wherein the tape comprises an eyelet into which theupper and lower hooks will fit.
 16. The method of claim 15 comprising:when a difference between the first and second girth measurements isfrom about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters) and about 5 inches (about12.7 centimeters), indicating on the shape index tab the secondpredetermined sizing category.
 17. The method of claim 16 comprising:when a difference between the at least two girth measurements is fromabout 5 inches (about 12.7 centimeters) and about 6.5 inches (about 16.5centimeters), indicating on the shape index tab the third predeterminedsizing category, and not identifying the first predetermined sizingcategory and second predetermined sizing category.
 18. The method ofclaim 12 wherein the shape measuring tool comprises a measuring tapehaving ruled markings and an eyelet on a back of the measuring tapewhich is adapted to couple to the upper and lower hooks.
 19. The methodof claim 12 wherein the waist is a natural waist, where the person bendsnaturally at a torso.
 20. A system for fitting jeans comprising: a firstpredetermined shaped sizing category for jeans; a second predeterminedshaped sizing category for jeans; a third predetermined shaped sizingcategory for jeans; a measurement guide for the first, second, and thirdpredetermined shaped sizing category, wherein the measurement guideindicates a first girth measurement being taken at a first positionbelow a person's waist, and a second girth measurement being taken at asecond position below the person's waist; and a shape index chart forthe first, second, and third predetermined shaped sizing category forjeans, wherein the shape index chart indicates the first and secondgirth measurements corresponding to the first predetermined shapedsizing category, second predetermined shaped sizing category, or thirdpredetermined shaped sizing category, wherein each of the firstpredetermined shaped sizing category, second predetermined shaped sizingcategory, and third predetermined shaped sizing category exists beforethe first and second girth measurements are made.
 21. The system ofclaim 20 wherein the first position is at about 4 inches (about 10.2centimeters) below a natural waist of the person, and the natural waistis a location on a person's torso where that person bends naturally. 22.The system of claim 21 wherein the second position is at about 8 inches(about 20.3 centimeters) below the natural waist of the person.
 23. Thesystem of claim 20 wherein for the first predetermined shaped sizingcategory, the chart indicates a result of subtracting the first girthmeasurement from the second girth measurement is less than about 3.5inches (about 8.9 centimeters).
 24. The system of claim 23 wherein forthe second predetermined shaped sizing category, the chart indicates theresult of subtracting the first girth measurement from the second girthmeasurement is from about 3.5 inches (about 8.9 centimeters) to about 5inches (about 12.7 centimeters).
 25. The system of claim 24 wherein forthe third predetermined shaped sizing category, the chart indicates theresult of subtracting the first girth measurement from the second girthmeasurement is from about 5 inches (about 12.7 centimeters) to about 6.5inches (about 16.5 centimeters).
 26. A system comprising: a first sizingclassification for pants, corresponding to fit for a first differentialvalue between first and second body measurements in a first range,wherein the first body measurement is at a first position relative to awaist of a person, the second body measurement is at a second positionrelative to the waist, the first position is a first distance away fromthe waist, and the second position is a second distance away from thewaist; a second sizing classification for pants, corresponding to fitfor a second differential value between first and second bodymeasurements in a second range; and a third sizing classification forpants, corresponding to fit for a third differential value between firstand second body measurements in a third range, wherein first pants of agiven size in the first sizing classification has a first girthmeasurement at a first position at a first distance below a top of thepants, second pants of the given size in the second sizingclassification has a second girth measurement at the first position atthe first distance below the top of the pants, third pants of the givensize in the third sizing classification has a third girth measurement atthe first position at the first distance below the top of the pants, andthe first, second, and third girth measurements of the pants is aboutthe same, wherein first pants of the given size in the first sizingclassification has a fourth girth measurement at a second position at asecond distance below the top of the pants, the second distance is lessthan the first distance, third pants of the given size in the thirdsizing classification has a fifth girth measurement at the secondposition at the second distance below the top of the pants, and thefourth girth measurement is greater than the fifth girth measurement.27. The system of claim 26 wherein the given size is a waist size forthe pants.
 28. The system of claim 26 wherein the first body measurementcomprises a person's girth at a first distance below a natural waist ofthe person, and the second body measurement comprises the person's girthat a second distance below the natural waist of the person.
 29. Thesystem of claim 26 wherein the pants in the first, second, and thirdsizing classifications are made from a denim material.
 30. The system ofclaim 29 wherein the denim material comprises at least about 2 percentlycra.
 31. The system of claim 29 wherein the denim material has astretch characteristic from about 15 percent to about 35 percent. 32.The system of claim 26 wherein the first pants has a first waistbandhaving a first difference between waistband top and waistband bottommeasurements, the third pants has a second waistband having a seconddifference between waistband top and waistband bottom measurements, andthe second difference is greater than the first difference.
 33. Thesystem of claim 26 wherein the second position is farther away from thewaist than the first position.
 34. The system of claim 33 wherein thewaist is the natural waist, which is a location on a person's torsowhere that person bends naturally.